In the state of Florida, statutory rape is defined as the act of taking advantage of a victim who is (a) under the age of eighteen years old or (b) mentally disabled, if the perpetrator of the act is of the age of eighteen years or older. If convicted of statutory rape, you can face a number of penalties. These penalties include lengthy prison sentences, substantial fees and being required to register in the state Sex Offender registry where the public is able to track your movements.
The Penalties for Statutory Rape in Florida
Statutory rape is no less serious of a charge than rape, carrying its own penalties that can affect your life in a wide variety of manners. In the state of Florida, there are a number of penalties for statutory rape.
Any person found guilty of the crime of statutory rape may face the following punishments:
- A minimum 15 year prison sentence
- A second-degree felony conviction (can affect your ability to land employment)
- Repeat offenders or habitual offenders (those who have had more than one offense, or a string of offenses, even if they are all tried in a single case) will serve a minimum of fifteen years in prison, with a maximum of life in prison
- Mandatory registration with the state Sex Offender database for life
Defenses for Statutory Rape Cases
No longer is the ignorance of the victim’s age a proper defense for a statutory rape case. Being tricked, forced or tempted in to sexual conduct with the victim is not a proper defense either. But that does not mean if you are innocent of the charge that you are without defense; there are proper defenses in Florida for a true statutory rape case.